Entrance Island is located approximately two kilometers off the north-east end of
Gabriola Island, and about 10 kilometers from the Coal Company's wharf.
Due to Nanaimo Harbour and Departure Bay being busy ports in the mid-late 1800s from coal shipments, the community decided
to build a lighthouse on Entrance Island.1 Mr. Louis Baker -- a Montreal contractor -- was tasked with building the lighthouse.
The lighthouse at Entrance Island's purpose was to indicate the position of the Nanaimo Harbour and Departure Bay; as well as to mark the entrance into the city of Nanaimo. Construction on the lighthouse did not begin until late October 1875, and in its construction, caused tragedies such as the drowning of three builders.2 The lighthouse still stands and continues its same function from Entrance Island
today.